What is the function of the safety gear in an elevator?

The function of the safety gear in an elevator is crucial for passenger safety, specifically to engage during uncontrolled descents and lock the car. Safety gear is designed to act as a fail-safe mechanism in the event of a malfunction or emergency that causes the elevator car to descend rapidly. When activated, the safety gear grips the guide rails within the hoistway, effectively preventing further descent and thereby protecting the occupants from potential harm due to a falling elevator.

This mechanism is a vital component of an elevator's overall safety system, ensuring that, in the case of a cable failure or other serious issues that might lead to excessive speed, the elevator will stop safely and securely. While the other options mention aspects that are part of an elevator's operation, they do not focus on the primary safety function that the safety gear is engineered to perform.